Romney, Huntsman Cross Paths in New Hampshire

Republican presidential candidates former Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman (right) and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney greet to each other prior to marching in a Fourth of July parade Monday in Amherst, New Hampshire.

AMHERST, N.H. — Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman came face to face today at an Independence Day parade here, but there were no fireworks.

After arriving at the parade at the last minute, Mr. Romney thanked his supporters and parade officials, then walked to Mr. Huntsman’s section.

“Welcome to New Hampshire,” Mr. Romney said, and Mr. Huntsman said the same.

Mr. Romney then gave Mr. Huntsman’s wife, Mary Kaye, a hug. He remarked to Mr. Huntsman, who resigned recently as President Barack Obama’s ambassador to China, that New Hampshire is nicer than Beijing, and then bolted back to be with his own supporters.

It was among several Independence Day appearances by Republican presidential candidates. Herman Cain was scheduled to be at a minor league baseball game in Manchester, N.H., while Newt Gingrich and Rep. Michele Bachmann were to participate in a July 4 parade in Crystal Lake, Iowa.

Mr. Romney has been running for president essentially since he lost his White House bid in 2008, while Mr. Huntsman joined the race only several weeks ago. Both are likely to appeal to similar voters: They are both former governors and with a Mormon heritage who lack the sharp, ideological edges of some of the other GOP contenders.

“Romney and Huntsman both seem like good guys,” said Donni Hodgkins, who led the Amherst Republican Committee float with her husband.

Some voters are trying to figure out how similar the two are. At a gathering at a restaurant Sunday in Center Barnstead, N.H., hosted by the Belknap County Republican Committee, Mr. Huntsman didn’t mention his rival in his brief talk.

But a local resident noted that Mr. Huntsman, a former Utah governor, has similar credentials to Mr. Romney, a former Massachusetts governor. “How are you different?” he asked.

Mr. Huntsman replied: “If you look at what we did in our states, you will see our different records.” He didn’t directly mention the health care overhaul that Mr. Romney shepherded into law in Massachusetts, which includes a mandate that individuals buy insurance. A similar provision in federal law is widely unpopular among Republicans. Instead, Mr. Huntsman touted his record in Utah, saying it had become a booming state with a strong, pro-business climate.

International experience is the second key difference between the two rivals, Mr. Huntsman said. “I’m the candidate with a deep understanding of this complex and confusing world,” he said. He noted the economic and strategic importance of China to the United States.

Mr. Romney, who ran a private equity firm, has been running on his credentials a successful business investor and says he has the skills to improve the economy.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.